Posted by TwoSides
a resident of South of Midtown
on Feb 6, 2009 at 2:06 pm

Per Wickipedia (kinda):

The elk, or wapiti (Cervus canadensis), is one of the largest species of deer in the world and one of the largest mammals in North America and eastern Asia.

Elk range in forest and forest-edge habitat, feeding on grasses, plants, leaves, and bark. In Cities, they often can be found in buildings established on expensive real estate with lavish interiors and luxurious accommodations. Every amenity is offered. The City Elk tend to feed on expensive cuts of beef, heavy sauces, vintage wines and German beers as well as cars.

Male elk have large antlers which are shed each year. Males engage in ritualized mating behaviors during the rut, including posturing, antler wrestling, and bugling, a loud series of screams which establishes dominance over other males and attracts females. The bugle call is one of the most distinctive calls in nature. Some City Elk have similar mating behaviors, but also may have receeding hairlines, pot bellies, sagging jowls, expense accounts and a predilection for trophy wives and smoking fine cigars in the company of other Elk while brandishing their Standard and Poors reports. Their females sport expensive hairstyles, natural fiber clothing, designer handbags and tend toward the donning of a lot of bling.

Elk are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases, some of which can be transmitted to livestock. Efforts to eliminate infectious diseases from elk populations, largely through vaccination, have had mixed success. City Elk have health insurance.

Thanks for including the visual piece on this one, as I had mentioned in a comment last week on another project. That really makes it come alive to moi, the reader, and makes possible those like Gus L's above.
Comment to Jay: I think it's about making journalism more informative. (Yes, that Nick.)

Elks guide their course in life by following the Cardinal Principles of our Order:

Charity
Justice
Brotherly Love
Fidelity
Men and women from all walks of life join the Order of Elks because they care about all peoples of the world. They feel that by joining the Elks they can make a difference in their own community and from there, reach out beyond. Elks have a long and illustrious history of philanthropy and charity across the entire USA and we members know that our individual efforts contribute to the larger goals set up by our local Lodges, our State Associations, and our national charity - the Elks National Foundation.

We Elks also take pride in supporting Veterans in a variety of ways. Locally we have a number of members visit Veterans in the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital once a month as well as sponsoring hospitalized Veterans at our summer barbecues.

Finally we Elks enjoy sponsoring local youth programs, local essay contests with local winners competing at ever-higher levels for scholarships, and local charities. We also are committed to inspiring National and Civic pride through our Patriotism programs.

If you are an American Citizen 21 years or older who believes in God, then you might like to join the Palo Alto Lodge.

Posted by George L.
a resident of Portola Valley
on Feb 7, 2009 at 1:27 pm

Famous Elks

Although the original Elks were actors and entertainers, members of other professions soon joined the organization. Today's Elks represent just about the full spectrum of occupations in America. Throughout the course of the Order's history, many celebrities from the entertainment field, business and public service have been Brother Elks.

Presidents Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and John F. Kennedy were all Elks. Former President Gerald Ford belonged to Grand Rapids Lodge No. 48, where his father served two terms as Exalted Ruler. Of course, many members of Congress have been Elks, too. Former Speakers of the House Tip O'Neill, Carl Albert, John McCormick and Sam Rayburn all belonged to the fraternity. Former Speaker Tom Foley belongs to Spokane, Washington, Lodge. And the late Hale Boggs of Louisiana was also an Elk.

General John "Blackjack" Pershing, American general and hero of the First World War, hailed from New York Lodge No. 1 as a lifelong member. 70,000 Elks served in the First World War; 1,000 gave their lives in the service of their country. 100,000 Elks served in the Second World War, over 1,600 made the supreme sacrifice for American freedom.

Entertainers Lawrence Welk, Will Rogers, Jack Benny and Andy Devine were Brother Elks, too. Brother Devine served as Exalted Ruler of San Fernando Lodge No. 1539. And Brother Clint Eastwood is a member of Monterey Lodge No. 1285. William F. Cody, better known as "Buffalo Bill," was also a Brother Elk. From the sports world, the Order has counted among its members the likes of Vince Lombardi, Casey Stengel, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Jim Finks.

Posted by 25 Year Member
a resident of Los Altos Hills
on Feb 7, 2009 at 6:51 pm

Leading Knight Steve Ebaugh, will definitely have someone running against him for ER. The reason that I am posting this is that Steve Ebaugh is continually asking if anyone knows if there is someone running for ER against him. And, the answer is absolutely yes, I have been sworn to secrecy about who it is, but there positively is someone running for ER as well. We will all vote for the person that we all feel will best lead our Lodge. Good luck to you both.

THE PARKING SITUATION DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT FOR THAT SIZE OF BUILDING OR OCCUPANCY.
WHERE ARE THEY GOING TO PARK FOR THEIR BIG EVENTS??
WE DONT WANT THEM PARKING ON WILKIE WAY, WHERE ARE THEY GOING TO PARK WHEN THEY HAVE 300 PLUS PEOPLE FOR AN EVENT? SEARS? CABANA? IT DOESNT MAKE SENSE.
AND HOW ABOUT THE DAY CARE CENTER? MOMS DROPPING OFF KIDS EARLY IN THE MORNING AND PICKING THEM UP AT NIGHT?
THIS PLAN NEEDS MORE THOUGHT..PLEASE PALO ALTO, RETHINK THIS..

Posted by Chapparal
a resident of Mountain View
on Feb 7, 2009 at 9:35 pm

Clint Eastwood is an Elk??? If correct you just made my day, George L
The Elks may spring from bohemian/theatrical origins but that day is long gone. The image of the Elks today is far removed from the glamor and glitz of show business. The Palo Alto Elks are faced with an aging member base and from the looks of it there is little to suggest that things will change soon. I have heard rumors of a marketing push to attract younger members. Good luck to the trustees in trying shake what is perceived by some in the community as a tired and stodgy image. Perhaps new Elks leadership can think creatively and bring this about.

Posted by Leading Knight
a resident of Menlo Park
on Feb 8, 2009 at 2:20 pm

God Bless all the Elks for a job well done. There are many very dedicated individuals in our organization who give their hearts, minds, and souls to this endeavour. Elks are never forgotten.

Charity is the cornerstone of the Elk structure, the highest virtue of the Elk creed. The daily gifts we bestow increase our own riches. The help we extend to those in need is added to our own strength. The witchery of wealth is not in having, but in sharing. The real benefactors of mankind count their store in what is given, not in what is saved.

But, as Elks, we teach not alone the charity of alms, but the higher and nobler charity of thought, word and deed. Our whole influence in life is determined by the good deeds we do rather than the emotions we feel. The kindliest feeling may vanish, the best resolve may be forgotten; but the influence of a good deed, honestly and promptly performed, will continue forever.

Charity is the greatest of all the virtues, and that it should ever rule us in our hearts and in our lives, leading us to speak no unkind word, to harbor no evil thought, to bear no malice, to support no wrong, but to nurture, love and protect; to condone, forgive and forget.

Posted by Elk
a resident of Los Altos Hills
on Feb 9, 2009 at 10:07 pm

Since 1868, America's foremost fraternal organization has been recognized by the noble creature that is the symbol of the Order. The elk is a peaceful animal, but will rise in defense of its own in the face of a threat. The majestic creature is fleet of foot and keen of perception. A most fitting representation, the stately elk is, for a distinctively American, intensely patriotic, family-oriented organization subscribing to the cardinal principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America has, indeed, fulfilled those principles and established a distinguished record of service and achievement since its founding on February 16, 1868.

Posted by Sandy
a resident of another community
on Feb 26, 2009 at 10:29 am

I'm from another Ca Lodge and am shocked and sickened that lodge workings are being discussed in a public forum. The only thing that should be being discussed is the building itself. That is the purpose of this article.

Posted by Concerned 30 Year Member
a resident of Los Altos Hills
on Sep 3, 2009 at 10:39 pm

Are members aware that the Lodge may be about to hire a an interior designer at a COST OF ALMOST 1/4 OF A MILLION DOLLARS. This is ONLY for her time, and not any of the 1/4 of a milion dollars would be spent on anthing tangible for the Lodge. She may be a great designer, but in this economy, it would be easy to find someone to work for far less than a 1/4 of million dollars, or at least we should start by offering her less money, obviouly she, she is not going to walk away in this economy if we offer her $50,000 or 100,000 dollars. Even if the Lodge hires her for less money, there has been a few negative reviews regarding NC Designs on Google. Personally, I would rather have an extra $100,000 or $200,000 sitting in our Lodge for mnay years to come, than paying a 1/4 of a million dollars stricly for their time and opinion. There are lot of talented people in our Lodge and our community that would find it a privilege to donate their time toward this project or at least work for far less, than a 1/4 of a million dollars.

To Rod ("Sundance"): Just received latest (Oct.) Bulletin and saw the good news about your "Certificate of Recognition" from Senator Simitian. Wow ! What a great honor, and for a very good man. Could not have happened to a better guy. CONGRATULATIONS ! (It should have been on Page 1.) Best regards from Old Ed ("Butch").

Posted by Concerned Member
a resident of Los Altos Hills
on Dec 10, 2010 at 5:39 pm

IMPORTANT ALL MEMBERS PLEASE READ

We ALL need to remember that it is OUR LODGE. We need to take an active participation in how our money is being spent. The lodge hired a facilty manager, which was supposed to ONLY BE TEMPORARY position, for 6 months, now they want to hire him full time. His salary is $8,500 per month - $102,00 per year + benefits. He said that he could not afford to work for less,but that is not our problem, we need to find some who can AFFORD TO WORK FOR LESS! We were told that he was hired at this high salary only because it was a temporary job while he was setting things in motion to open. Our last longtime facility manager was paid $20/hr $3,200/month, so why have we hired someone that is being paid $5,300 MORE a month, than or last facilities manager. Now we hear that we are hiring a web designer/writer to order dishes/glasses etc. at $50/hr. a job that Charo and Lorrain would gladly do for FREE for us. Hopefully, the lodge does not decide to try to hire another full time employee at a salary of 50/hr = $8,000/month and $96,000/a year. These are OUR desisions as memmbers, please attend a lodge meeting and inquire about these outrageous salaries before they are hired. It is the members lodge and members need to speak up about how our money should be spent. We have long time employees that have been rehired at a 1/5 of these high salaries and most of them travel at least an 1.5 hours each way to work for our lodge. We can't afford to pay these salaries, our taxes alone on the new lodge have sky rocketed.

Posted by 20 Year Member
a resident of Los Altos
on Jan 3, 2011 at 9:04 pm

It is unbelievable that we spent over $20,000 for such a BORING WEBSITE. We live in one of the most beautiful and prestigious places in the world and this is the most skilled person that we could find to design our website. Did anyone one look at Palo Alto Hills Country Club (Web Link) and
Los Altos Hills Country Club Websites, these websites are classy and professionally done, our looks like someone used a free website builder and finished it in one day. I guess we just hired the first person with their hand out!

Posted by 5 Year Member
a resident of Palo Alto Hills
on Jan 7, 2011 at 6:20 pm

All of the older members kept justifying tearing down the old lodge to build a new lodge, "oh all we want is a womens facility" for our female members. Obviously, this was a bunch of BS, because the new lodge doesn't even have a separate workout facilty dedicated for women. Women really don't want to workout with men, 1. They just want to workout and not feel like they have men constantly checking them out. 2. Women really don't feel like to using a weight machine previously used by a man with 300lb weights on it. The workout room could still be sectioned off with a FEMALE SECTION ONLY, to give female members a choice. It is just sad to see what was built compared to refurbishing the old lodge, the members bar is so small, in the old lodge the this was the focal point of our lodge, a meeting place on a daily basis, now it seems so sterile, why cherry wood and black, why not keep all the light colored wood that was used throughout the lodge, especially since the bar is significantly smaller, they need to get rid of the low tables with the big black chunck chairs and replace it with high top tables w/chairs that can be pushed in under the table to save room. If we had refurbished we could have a SPECTACULAR LODGE, but now we built this lodge that doesn't resemble any lodge I have ever been in, where is any paneling to give it a lodge/rustic feel. We have a 5 foot lobby, that will be surrounded by screaming kids on one side and a gym with sweaty people working out on the other side. Who ever designed this obviously did not spend much time in any other lodges or fine hotels. When is the last time you have ever been in a fine hotel or lodge and you were greeted by a gym and childcare, it is rediculous, people working out in the gym don't especially want to be in full view of other members traveling through the lodge to the ballroom, they would like some privacy. It is hard believe that we gave up a great lodge, set back off of El Camino with a gated private entrance off of Wilkie Way to build this lodge 10 feet from being on El Camino. But this is what we get when more members don't voice their opinion. MEMBERS NEED TO REMEMBER IT IS OUR LODGE!

Posted by Lodge Member
a resident of Palo Alto Hills
on Jan 20, 2011 at 8:54 pm

The new Lodge website lists the "Trustees", before (and on top of) the "Lodge Officers". This is incorrect and disrespectful to the Exalted Ruler and all the Officers, no other lodge lists the Trustees before Officers.

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